Ethics of Sex Tourism in Thailand: Finnish Tourists Stance to Prostitution and Human Trafficking

Transcription

1 Saimaa University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Imatra Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Aino Peltonen Ethics of Sex Tourism in Thailand: Finnish Tourists Stance to Prostitution and Human Trafficking Thesis 2016

2 Abstract Aino Peltonen Ethics of Sex Tourism in Thailand: Tourists Stance to Prostitution and Human Trafficking, 57 pages, 2 appendices Saimaa University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Thesis 2016 Instructor: Ms Jaana Häkli, Senior Lecturer, Saimaa University of Applied Sciences This thesis researches attitudes, justifications and judgements of sex tourists towards responsible travelling, sex tourism, prostitution, prostitutes and human trafficking. The aim was to find out how sex tourists are thinking about the concepts related to the phenomena. The research was executed by surveying using quantitative research method via webropol.com. The questionnaire was spread in discussion forums regarding sex and sex tourism. The questionnaire generated altogether 75 responses mostly by sex tourists, however some of them were not used due to problems with data collection. Responses were by all of the targeted age groups, from 18 years to 55 and older. The research results indicated that the sex tourists are of all ages, and general attitude towards all those concepts is accepting. Sex tourists are judging exploitation and abuse towards prostitutes but see their occupation as acceptable as any other. Younger sex tourists are looking for fun and are not looking for a durable relationship, while middle-aged are more open for a relationship that has started in Thailand with a prostitute. Key words: Thailand, responsible tourism, human trafficking, sex tourism. 2

3 Table of contents 1 Introduction Justification for the topic Aims and delimitations Definition of the target group Sex tourism in Thailand Consequences of sex tourism Profile of a sex tourist Profile of a prostitute Responsible tourism Research methods and data collection Results of the research Background of the respondents Frequency of the visits to Thailand Responsible travelling and consumption Buying sex Prostitution in Thailand Attitude towards prostitution Attitude towards human trafficking Qualities of prostitutes Future travel plans and changes in attitudes Conclusions Discussion of the research results Evaluation of the research Figures References Appendices Appendix 1 Questionnaire form in Finnish Appendix 2 Questionnaire form in English 3

4 1 Introduction Thailand is not only known for its beautiful nature and beaches but also for its reputation for being a key destination for sun, sea and especially sex in Asia. According to Leheny (1995) in Sirkkilä (2005, p.83) sex tourism has been a phenomenon in Thailand since Vietnam War, when U.S. American soldiers started to spend holidays in the coasts of Thailand and it has remained a popular destination for western men ever since. While enjoying warmth, shining sun and delicious food and drinks also love can be received with only a little of money. Thailand is known as the key destination of sex tourism in Asia (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.13). That is why Thailand was a natural choice as a topic for this study. This research is introducing concepts of sex tourism, prostitution and human trafficking in Thailand, and investigating attitudes, justifications and judgements of supposed sex tourists. It will answer questions about who the sex tourists and people selling sex are and what the consequences are. Main goal of this research is to find out how these supposed sex tourists are thinking about sex tourism and their morals. The survey will consist of groups of questions that map out background of respondents, frequency of visits to Thailand, previous sex buying experiences, prostitution in Thailand, attitude towards prostitution and human trafficking. These results will clarify what the attitudes are like, if there are any differences in the responses of respondents of different ages or marital statuses, and if the attitudes have changed after experiencing or witnessing sex tourism in Thailand. 1.1 Justification for the topic Sex tourism and human trafficking is an internationally recognized phenomenon, however it is considered as sensitive and even a taboo topic. Sex tourism and human trafficking are causing different kind of effects on Thailand and its citizens, but also society and people in other countries. Therefore it is important to observe these attitudes and consider how these attitudes have formed and how they are affecting the continuation of this phenomenon in Thailand. If there 4

5 is a general acceptance of this phenomenon, there will certainly be continuation of prostitution in Thailand. Thailand was chosen as the destination area because it is internationally known as a destination for cheap, quick and easy paid sex. Thailand is also a good choice in terms of ethics, as sex tourism there is a large phenomenon. Therefore consequences are also significant and visible. This topic has not been researched in Saimaa University of Applied Sciences many times before, so therefore this provides opportunity for also other students and staff members to get to know this issue and to learn and ponder their own knowledge and attitude towards sex tourism. As I am interested in human rights, ethics and dark tourism, this topic suits me very well as a topic for my thesis. Usually tourism is presented to students as a happy and easy business but I hope that my thesis will also introduce darker side of tourism. I find it important to learn also about harder and more sensitive parts of my profession, so I wish to spread information via my thesis to other students as well. 1.2 Aims and delimitations The aim of this research is to study attitudes, judgements and justifications of sex tourism and consequences following from those actions. Questions survey whether there are any differences in attitudes between marital statuses or ages, and if the attitudes have changed after visits to Thailand or after learning more about the phenomenon. Ideal result of the research is to find differences in the attitudes between ages and representatives of different marital statuses. However, as in any research, there are delimitations also in this study. As method of research is surveying, there might be a possibility that there are no respondents responding to the survey due to the survey s sensitive topic. Some sex tourists do not necessarily want to answer questions about their experiences and especially about their own justifications. The amount of responses might limit possibilities of making conclusions and generalisations of the results. If there are not enough responses, generalisation 5

6 of responses and conclusions of some marital statuses or ages is not possible, and therefore survey might fail. 1.3 Definition of the target group Target group in this study is Finnish men. This target group was chosen as the publicity of the phenomenon is focusing on the western men. According to Åsvik & Åsvik (2004, p.9) and Cohen (1996) in Sirkkilä (2005, p.84) still users of the prostitution services are both western and Asian men. As introduced in the chapter Profile of a sex tourist, there is not a clear frame for a sex tourist, and therefore men of all ages, nationalities and marital statuses are ideal target group of this survey. Visit to Thailand is the main demand of the respondent, however responses of the persons that have not yet visited Thailand are qualified also to answer the survey. Men of all ages, from all social classes are the target group of this research, and variety of background only gives better view to the phenomenon. There is a possibility of having false responses, as there is no identification of identity of respondents. Internet survey does not allow identification of respondents, and even if it did, it would be likely that respondents would not want to be recognised as sex tourists. It is possible that respondents have never visited Thailand or they might be women. 2 Sex tourism in Thailand The following chapter will define sex tourism and introduces how it actually happens in the destinations that are known for availability of sex, where sex tourism and sex tourists are located in Thailand and why the whole phenomenon really exists. In addition the consequences and effects on individuals, communities and governments are discussed, but also prostitutes movement to protect their position in the society is examined briefly. According to Chris Ryan and C. Michael Hall (2001) in Sirkkilä (2005, p.80) sex tourism defined is tourism in which the most important goal or motivation is to form sexual relationships. Basically this means that the purpose of the holiday is 6

7 to have sex, but there might also be other motivations for those trips, such as sun, warmth, costs of living or atmosphere in the destination. Sex is only one advantage with many others of having a holiday in Thailand. Procedure of buying sex starts with men arriving at red lights district areas and bars there. Men visit their friends or have after-work beer. Girls start their job; attracting men to bars, serving and entertaining. Customers can buy alcoholfree lady drinks for the girls that they are interested in. Income from those drinks is for the girls, and they can reclaim the money whenever they want to. If a customer wants to pay out a girl that is working in a bar for a night, he must pay the bar bar fine. Bar fine is the payment for the absence of the waiter, and that fine is only for the bar. Everything else that will happen will be paid straight to the girl. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.23, 47.) According to Cohen (1996, p.251) as stated in Sirkkilä (2005, p.84) sex tourism in Thailand does not focus entirely on western men, but also Asian men from China, Malaysia and Singapore are traveling to Thailand for sexual purposes. Therefore it cannot be claimed that sex tourism is only a phenomenon of the western countries. Country of origin might affect the motivations for trips, and there might be significant differences in attitudes of people from different continents. An essential part of understanding sex tourism in Thailand is awareness of prostitution being illegal in the country (ECPAT International 2011, p.9). Despite the legislation, Thailand is known for being a key destination for sex tourism. It seems illogical that one of the most well known sex tourism destination is actually banning sex selling. Powerlessness or neglect of the government is allowing the continuation of the phenomenon, and fighting against might be impossible as Thailand is in a position of promised land of men. Strict legislation could limit the sex trading, but economy and international relationships could be significantly affected. Sex tourism takes place in many venues in tourist destinations. Main destinations are the centres of the country; Nana Plaza, Patpong, and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are all attracting men seeking for cheap and easy 7

8 sexual intercourse (Location of prostitution, Prostitution in Thailand). Red lights districts, e.g. Nana Plaza in Bangkok are the centres of girl bars. Beer bars, gogo-bars, massage parlours and billiard venues have each possibility to redeem a girl for a night. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.16, 74-77,46.) For a westerner, visibility of sex and sexuality is common through advertisements and popular culture. However prostitution and markets for sex services are hidden and considered as a taboo. A woman selling herself is instantly considered to be in desperate need of money or emotionally traumatized. Concept of sexuality and sexual behaviour differs significantly from the western viewpoint. Buddhism is not regulating sexual behaviour as Christianity or Islam, and therefore sex is not seen as a sin. Even though sex is seen much more acceptable, public endearments are not honourable behaviour. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.73.) This allows Thai girls to master their own body and sexuality, which makes the profession of prostitution much more acceptable in comparison to western countries, in which selling sex is seen much more culpable and as the last chance to make some money. For Thai girl her intentions mean much more than what she actually does, and prostitution is not seen as a questionable form of income as she is usually working to support her family. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.73.) Bars are now strictly following the legislation for the age of the employees. Bar girls are all of legal age, and many of them have already been married or have children in their hometowns, raised by their grandparents (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.30, 65). In that sense the age of the prostitutes is not the questionable factor, but still the legislation can be avoided, and then children might be involved in the sex business. Even though general atmosphere would not allow underage girls to work in the bars, they still can work as freelancers. This creates another ethical concern, as it is dependent on the morale of the customer whether he accepts underage girls sleeping with grown men. However a girl can always hide and lie her true age, so it might be impossible to identify the age of a freelancer. 8

9 2.1 Consequences of sex tourism Thailand has been a popular destination for tourists for a long time, and it seems fairly understandable why people keep going back to the land of sun and sea, but also sex. Sex has consequences, and a place where sex plays such an important role it, those consequences occur; sexually transmitted diseases, it boosts economy, enables human trafficking, creates immigration and emigration and generally maintains tourism in Thailand. Basically not all of the consequences of the sex tourism are negative, and it might even increase welfare of people generally. However, if there are multiple individuals paying the price with their own body and mind, is sex tourism justifiable? As sex tourists are living in the hotels, eating in the restaurants, visiting sights, shopping in retail shops and drinking in bars, they are putting money in the Thai economy. Expenditure creates employment and increases variety of services. Potential of Thailand in tourism might be one reason why prostitution is to some extent accepted and not fought against aggressively. According to Francoeur (2011) as stated in Eskelinen & Köpsi (2015, p.31) even 70 percent of male tourists that travelled to Thailand, were sex tourists. In that context it is clear that economic impact of sex tourists is significant, and tighter legislation would harm Thailand remarkably. In the darker side of tourism in Thailand is human trafficking and exploitation. The worst cases include children working as prostitutes in tourism industry. Young Thai girls are having sexual relationships with adult men in exchange for shopping, holidays and dinners. (ECPAT International 2011, pp.8, 9, 13.) Basically, those underage girls are working in the same positions as adults in the sex industry. It might be impossible for a customer to know the real age of the prostitute, and it is a question of morale of an individual whether the age has any influence on the decision to use services of a prostitute. It is not the case that sex tourists would not recognize that their actions might allow the injustice that the prostitutes might be suffering. They are wondering how the same girls can cope with such kind of work day after day (Jussila 2011, p.85). However they are still taking advantage of them even if they understand 9

10 that they might not be happy with their position. This might illustrate the ideology of a western man of being justified of taking advantage of less-fortunate. They might misunderstand that they are able to help those girls, but in fact they are determining the continuation of the phenomenon, as there will be many men after them doing exactly the same thing. According to the online discussions of Finnish men, tourists are advising each other not to pay too much so that general level of payments would stay reasonable. This indicates that paid sex is seen as a form of consumption. (Jussila 2011, p.76.) In that light it would seem that men are seeing Thai prostitutes as objects that can be consumed as any other commodity. However this cannot be generalized to a whole group of sex tourists, not even to a Finnish sex tourist, but it opens up the attitudes and justifications of some of them. To protect their rights and occupation, sex workers have founded Empower Foundation that is defending the prostitutes, providing education, running social facilities and advising sex workers with questions related to their work and life in general (Empower Foundation 2016). Their activity is supporting the sex workers and highlighting their own power in the phenomenon. This shows that they are proud of their work and value the skills of the women that play and important role in Thailand s economy. Sexually transmitted diseases take place also via sex tourism if proper protection is not handled with care. Even if a proper protection is used, transmission is possible. Whenever an individual is infected, the disease may be transmitted to a third party in tourist s home country. Some of the diseases are in their lightest quite harmless, but without a decent treatment they might cause an inability to reproduce. In the worst scenario, the incorrigible Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) might develop into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and then lead to the death of a person. However, HIV is controllable with a proper medication treatment, but any risk of getting infected should be prevented with good hygienic practises and using a condom while in sexual intercourse. (HIV-säätiö 2016.) According to Åsvik & Åsvik (2004, p.111) the bar owners test their employees and those with HIV are fired. However, those girls 10

11 are able to infect many others before they are unemployed, and they might get a new job in another bar and then continue their occupation. Tourism that involves a close contact with locals might also form also lifelong friendships and relationships that reach over the borders of the countries and oceans separating them. A holiday romance might turn into a marriage, even though the relationship had started with an exchange of money to services. Men might be giving up of their life in their country of origin or women might follow their new love to western countries. 2.2 Profile of a sex tourist Determining a clear profile of a sex tourist that travels to Thailand for having paid sex there is extremely difficult since tourists have very different backgrounds, and there is no exact frame that everyone would fit in. In Thailand a western man or woman is called farang and the sex of person is dependent on the context in which he/she is put into. Concept of a western person includes an European, an US American, an Australian or a New Zealander. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.9.) In this case farang is indicating a man. According to Rao (1999, p.96), a sex tourist is a man who is tired of taking a politically correct position on his sexual preferences because of social pressure. Basically, a sex tourist is a man that is tired of complicated phases of the formation of relationships and recognises the exchange of money as easier route to relationships with women. In the background of a sex tourist there might lay a breakup with a western woman, a divorce or death of a former partner. Dating and finding a new partner might seem too arduous and time consuming in their home countries, so fulfilling the need of intimacy and social communication is rather easy via paid companion. There is not any expectation for the future, which allows a person to enjoy the present moment. This freedom in communication is liberating in comparison with dating in regular environment. According to Åsvik & Åsvik (2004, p.80) men are describing behaviour of western women in company of men manly, and they are constantly trying to assure that they can do as well as the men, or even better. Still, men want a feminine woman with them, not a woman acting like a man. The Thai women are pleas- 11

12 ing their spouse even if they would be really in charge of things. In western countries the gender roles are much more equal to each other, and it seems that some of the men traveling to Thailand in terms of forming relationships there, are valuing more traditional gender roles. The exchange of money eases the emotional pressure included in the relationship formation, as there are no expectations of catching feelings. There is no need to wonder if the date partner would like to get intimate, as it is assumption that sexual intercourse is likely to happen in return to money. However, those feelings might occur after getting to know each other in paid situations, and it might develop into constant relationship. Still, the sex tourism is not only sex but also it might form friendships and develop even real love that lasts for years. Those relationships might lead to marriages and children in either Thailand or in the home country of the man. Rothen (1997) in Sirkkilä (2005, p.82) states that studies of motivation and social backgrounds of the sex tourist travelling to Thailand indicate that there is no actual social prototype of sex tourist, and sex tourists come from all social classes (Sirkkilä 2005, p.82). Income or status are not defining a profile of a sex tourist, he can be a manager, a manual worker, a student or a pensioner. As poverty is common and social classes important, even a lower-middle class farang is seen as wealthy and therefore also respected. For a Thai girl from the poor countryside, a farang with average income is already seen quite wealthy. Ages of sex tourists vary from those who have just reached their legal age to pensioners. Since in the most cases the outer appearance of a person is not defining the chance to meet a possible sex partner, men of all ages are visiting Thailand s sex tourism destinations. There are many ways to divide types of the tourists, and none of them is covering all the possible profiles. Student, divorced, husband, single, unemployed, pensioner or corporate manager are filling frames of the sex tourist. The only thing they all have in common is that they all are interested in paid sex (or just paid company). While discussing the sex business and the tourists visiting Thailand for sexual purposes, the fact that not all the service users are westerners cannot be 12

13 passed. According to Cohen (1996, p.251) Asian men are using prostitution services of the Thai women as well. It is clear that the phenomenon does not exist only because of farangs are paying for sex with prostitutes. Paid sex is common, even though it is not seen respectful behaviour. The Thai men start to use prostitution services even in their teenager years, and continue throughout their life. Sex is not seen as a sin, however women consider having more control over themselves than men in sexual instinct. 2.3 Profile of a prostitute It is important to understand why exactly the sex tourists are visiting Thailand, and how they see the prostitutes. Attitude towards the prostitutes reveals their morale perception. Who are the girls in the tourist destinations in Thailand pleasing western men that are seeking for cheap and easy sex? Where do they come from and what are the reasons behind their choice of occupation? There are not simple answers that would answer those questions precisely, but there certainly are similarities in the backgrounds of those girls. Prostitution appears in many different venues in Thailand, including different kind of bars (beer bars and gogo-bars), massage services and billiard lounges (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.27, 74-77) One thing in common with them is that almost everywhere girl can be paid for leaving with the customer (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.46). Ladyboys, in Thai Kathoeys are men that have changed their gender to female partly or fully. Many bars are employing at least one kathoey. As kathoeys feel themselves as women, they are not likely to introduce themselves as transsexuals for customers either. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.10, ) According to the Wikipedia article of Nana Plaza (Red lights district in Bangkok) there are seven kathoey bars in the district in November 2015 (Nana Plaza). Great number of kathoey bars states clearly that there is a demand for them also, which could indicate that some of the sex tourists are searching for company of former men. The bar girls are working in the bars that sell beverages and small snacks. Their job is to entertain customers and tempt them to stay as long as possible (and 13

14 thus spend as much as possible). That entertainment might include chatting and playing games with customers. The bar fine needs to be paid to get a girl to leave her job for the day. That payment is only for the bar, and each girl needs to be paid for the services that they are providing separately. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp. 33, ) Gogo-girls are the girls working in the bars that are providing entertainment with girls dancing. Bars are reminding the western strip clubs, but there is not such kind of stripping involved as dancing is more squirming-like. The Gogo bars are much more sexually charged, and shows with sexual content are common especially at the late evening time. The procedure of the visit starts with an employee attracting a potential customer in, and then leading him to the table. Then he will be asked for his drink order. While he is enjoying his drink, he can chat with the girls that are not currently performing or just checking the ones who are. There are often number tags attached to boots or wrists of the dancers so customer can easily negotiate the price of the girl with the bar hostess, mamasan. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp ) There are also girls that are not able to work in the bars or they simply just do not want to. Those girls are working as freelancers near the bars and hotels. As those girls are not working for anyone, bar fine is not included in the payment for their services. Still they can be found from the freelance bars, and the men are describing those bars more relaxed in comparison with regular girl bars as there is not such payment procedure included. However the familiarisation process is lacking and then the whole activity does not seem to be so innocent. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.29.) As the freelancers are working for themselves, they are not able to turn to their bar hosts whenever some misunderstandings or problems arise, which deteriorates their position and safety. On the other hand they are able to determine their own rules and schedules. Many of the employees working in girl bars of the tourist destinations in Thailand are actually from the countryside. Poor possibilities of employment and need for an income push the girls for work to busier areas. Bar work is rather easy and light work in comparison with industrial factory work, fieldwork or being a sales person in department store, as they are able to socialize and have 14

15 fun while working. Thai girls enjoy social communication and spending time with each other, so working in bar seems to be much more comfortable. The income the bar is paying and payment from the tourists for the services might make a good income that allows a girl to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp ) The good income and easiness of the job are attracting girls from the countryside to the hotspots of the country. Selling sex services to westerners allows many benefits for the girls besides the easy, social and well-paid job. The good income allows girls to support their family and relatives, which is seen as an important part of Thai culture. Working is versatile as they are taken for dinners, shopping and sightseeing with their customers. Still they can choose their own clientele, and make up their own rules. While working, they learn English and can teach their long-term customers some Thai. With those men who they might fall in love with, they travel to their home countries, so they are able to see new places and travel around. As western men are all over those destinations, bar girls are most likely to meet a future husband. They are respected partners due to their education, wealth and skin colour, so many girls are searching for the right one. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp ) For those reasons it is easy to understand why many of the country girls are choosing bar work and prostitution as their profession. One important aspect of prostitutes in Thailand is how their customers see the girls. For many, the first image of a Thai prostitute is a sad-looking spiritless small woman who is forced to sell herself for overweight old men. Image of men that have visited Thailand s sex hotspots, this image is rather different, and that might be one reason why they keep coming back to Thailand and even move permanently there. The Western men describe the Thai women to be completely different in comparison with other women and there is just something magical in them. This can be explained with a stereotype created by media of Thai girls being exotic and erotic beauties. (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, p.69.) This exoticness appeals and might be related to fascination of holidays in general. In holiday times people let themselves to be more relaxed and try things that they could not in their normal weekdays. Western sex tourists describe the Thai women to be beautiful, sexually appealing, feminine and modest and they are treating 15

16 their men better than any western woman ever had (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.69, 99). Due to those comments it is easily understandable that men are flattered and then hooked to Thai women. Love and amount of love is understood throughout money. Many Thai prostitutes have several boyfriends that are regularly sending them money. Western ideology separates money and love, but Thai people see money as a meter of love. If their western boyfriend is not giving them any money, how could he love her? (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp.66, 162.) Even though Thai prostitutes meet hundreds of potential customers every year, they do not deal lightly with issue of previous customer partnering with another girl. In their understanding a man is property of the first girl that took contact with the man (Åsvik & Åsvik 2004, pp ). This viewpoint questions the assumption of Thai prostitutes being unhappy with their occupation, as if they were miserable with their life, they would not fight for the clients. Of course if the customer has been displeasing in his behaviour or looks, it would be only natural if that prostitute does not want to sell her services to that customer again. The customer-prostitute relationship might develop into a real girlfriendboyfriend relationship, but the money exchange is still present. According to Hall (1995, p.73) this girlfriend could be described as rented wife, mia chao (Sirkkilä 2005, p.85). Mia Chao is filling qualities and requirements of wife, still charging for her services. 3 Responsible tourism According to the Finnish Association for Fair Tourism, responsible tourism basically means that positive effects of tourism are maximised and negative ones are minimised (Reilun matkailun yhdistys). Responsible tourism comprehends three aspects; economical, socio-cultural and environmental. In case of sex tourism in Thailand, the ethical concerns are socio-cultural. Responsibility in travelling is closely related to ethics, as irresponsible choices might be fighting against general rules of ethics. The sex tourism and the effects of the phenomenon include quite a few ethical concerns, as advantage of the tourist could be harming the members of local communities, but also their own community. 16

17 The ethics or moral philosophy studies the concepts of right and wrong behaviour by systemising, defending and recommending them (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). However the concepts of the ethics might vary greatly between different cultures and groups, and it might be impossible to state only one truth that would be valid in every group of people. This can be seen fairly well in difference of the concept of sexuality in Buddhism and Christianity, presented in the chapter Sex tourism in Thailand. The right and wrong are of course matters of the individuals at the most basic level, but surrounding atmosphere determines whether the individual is punished or praised for his actions. The responsible tourism is a growing trend in travel and tourism business, as people are more aware of the impacts of their consumption choices, and try to choose products and services that suit their own ideology. Responsible tourism is expected to be the next trend in tourism industry, but eventually it will become a necessity to protect the diversity of environment and cultures (Eskelinen & Köpsi 2015, p.6). To maintain the diversity and unique destinations, single individual needs to take his actions and think critically of ethics of his own consumption choices. Purchase determines the viewpoint to responsibility or at least the level of knowledge in ethicality of the product or service. By supporting unethically produced products one also supports inequality or unsustainability that those products, suppliers or companies represent. According to Saukkonen (1999, pp.11, 14), understanding the effects of tourism on local communities of the travel destination is essential. The tourists should understand that they might be affecting economically the violations of human rights. There should not be a gap between equality of the tourists and the locals. Basically responsible tourism is not harming anyone or anything, respects the environment and local people, but also the culture of the destination. Responsible tourism is taking into account the effects of the tourism and pondering if the costs of the tourism are too big in comparison with the benefits. In case of Thailand, are the economical benefits that are followed by sex tourism creating a greater good in comparison with the single individuals that are paying the costs of the phenomenon? 17

18 What is actually an ethically produced product or service like? According to Saukkonen (1999, p.12) supporting the local small businesses in a large scale will be beneficial for the local community, but also a responsible action for the tourist to do. Supporting services provided by western enterprises will only benefit the western countries, as the main income actually flows back to the westerners and only a small share benefits the locals. The price and quality are often the qualities weighing most when choosing the product or service, but purchase includes also responsibilities and values that those products represent. A service or a product that is somehow harming the destination and its inhabitants cannot fulfil the qualities of a responsibly produced product. When a consumer makes the decision whether he buys that product, he also makes a decision if he is acting responsibly and ethically. Therefore responsibility in production is not only the one s that producing the product but also the one is who takes the benefit of the product. It might be even impossible to make sure if the product or service is actually produced ethically, as product or service goes through many phases before the customer consumes it. It is possible that an excursion to natural reserve that protects the unique environment is guided by an employee that is actually exploited by his employer and working with no proper wage 12 hours per day. At the first glimpse a guest could say that the service must be ethical as they are advised to make sure that they do not leave anything to the nature and they are walking, but in fact the rights of the employees are actually non-existent. The main focus in responsible and ethical tourism in the case of Thailand phenomena caused by the sex tourism. There are two main grievances included in the sex business in Thailand; the child prostitutes and the human trafficking, which can include both children and adults (ECPAT International 2011, p.9). According to Francoeur (2011) in Eskelinen & Köpsi (2015, p. 31), one of the most shameful forms of sex tourism in Thailand is sex tourism including children. Having sex with a person less than 18 years of age is illegal. However, many children are attracted to the destinations of sex tourists by misleading means, for example by promising employment as a waiter in a city. In reality the children are forced to work as prostitutes and get raped repeatedly. In some of 18

19 the countries having sex with a child might lead even to death penalty, but in Thailand this act is rather easy and cheap to execute. Sexual abuse affects the growth and development of a child, and might lead to both physical and emotional injuries that follow the victim all his life (Suomen Delfins ry). Even though child prostitution problem seems to be supported by the foreign tourist paedophiles in Thailand, there is even larger population of local people that are looking for sexual services by children (ECPAT International 2011, p.9). According to Bailey (2004) in Eskelinen & Köpsi (2015, p.31.), minister Pavena Hongsakula has stated in Bangkok Post in 1999 that the government of Thailand has not accepted sex tourism, and neither is ever going to accept, and the actual reason behind the phenomenon are the foreign male tourists that come to Thailand. That issue should be dealt with in the countries that are supporting those men. This point of view could be interpreted as uncertainty and responsibility avoidance, as the phenomenon is still taking place in Thailand. It is clear that a part of the responsibility is of the countries that those men come from, but still Thailand has allowed the continuation of the phenomenon. Whenever a person that is working as prostitute is not working by her own approval, using her services is not filling the qualities of responsible tourism. Human trafficking is violating self-determination of a person, and then violating human rights. The main concern in the ethics of sex tourism in Thailand is that one should not risk her health and safety for income. It depends on the morale of an individual if it is honourable to use characteristics and body to generate income. Basically the decision of using this possibility is individual s, and there should not be anything doubtful in that. However if the girl is not making the decision by herself, using services of that person is morally questionable. A victim of trafficking might be in front of us, but they might not be willing to accept the help in fear of abuse. A victim of trafficking can be identified by observing the behaviour, living conditions, age, physical appearance of a person. (U.S. Department of State.) Responsibletravel.com website recommends the tourists visiting Thailand to report all the suspicions of child prostitutes to the managers of the hotels, restaurant and bars or police. They remind that the victims of child trafficking are more likely to be male than female. (Responsible Travel 2016.) 19

20 When traveling to destinations where issues such as exploitation and human trade exist, tourist should choose hotels and destinations that are not supporting or ignoring the phenomenon. ChildSafe International has certified guesthouses in Bangkok that do not allow guests with children that do not belong into their families. There are also ChildSafe-certified taxis and tuk tuks that do not take clients with local children. (Responsible Travel 2016.) Using those services individual can take his/her position in the fight against child trafficking. 4 Research methods and data collection As the main goal of this research is to find out how the supposed sex tourists are judging, justifying or thinking of sex tourism, sex tourists, prostitutes and ethics of their actions, questions will be focusing on the attitudes that they are holding of the issue. It would be rather challenging to get interviews related to this issue, since the topic might be seen too sensitive and private. Due to nature of the topic, anonymous questionnaire was chosen as the research method. Questionnaire questions are including several themes that illustrate the perception of the phenomenon of the respondents. Background questions of age, nationality and marital status are helping with the difference identification. Ideal result for the survey is to find differences in the attitudes between ages marital statuses. If there are differences, it could be concluded that the background of the sex tourist matters how he sees the phenomenon and whether he is accepting prostitution as an occupation. Groups of the questions are following: 1. Background questions of age, gender, nationality and marital status 2. Responsible tourism 3. Using sex services in home country and abroad. 4. Questions of the sex tourism in Thailand 5. Prostitution and attitude towards buying sex services in Thailand 6. Human trafficking 7. Questions of how Thai prostitutes are seen by the respondents 20

21 8. Possible changes in attitudes and future travel plans 5 Results of the research The survey was executed with the webropol.com survey tool. Webropol was chosen due to the fast and easy use. Survey was available for the respondents three weeks in January and February Survey included 31 questions, all of them being closed with ready-made options, except the nationality which was the only open question in the survey. The survey resulted altogether 67 responses, during three weeks. Research method used in this questionnaire was quantitative. Every question in the survey was compulsory, and option of choosing I cannot say/ I do not want to answer was consciously avoided to get as much analysable data as possible. There was only one open question about the nationality of the respondent, all the rest had options that respondents needed to choose from. The survey in Finnish delivered 67 responses, but there were 155 views of the page. That could mean that there were possibly 88 potential respondents that could have answered to the survey but chose not to answer. Some of them could have answered the survey another time, or were just curious of the topic even though they had no experience of the issue. Small amount of the responses limited the possibilities of making conclusions, and some groups were so underrepresented that making conclusions would have been impossible. There were three female respondents that had responded the questionnaire, and their responses are handled separately from male respondents. 21

22 5.1 Background of the respondents Your gender? Female 3 Male Figure 1. Gender of the respondents Majority of the respondents were male with value of 64, as expected. They represented % of the respondents. All of the responses illustrated above were by the Finnish travellers. There were three female respondents that had answered the questionnaire, and their share was 4.48% of the whole sample. They were not the target group of this research, but two of them had bought sex either in their home country or in a foreign country. Your age? 55 or older Figure 2. Age of the respondents A majority of the respondents with value of 23 (34.33%) were of age group The second largest age group was year olds with 25.37% of the sample with 17 answers. The third largest group were were 22.39% of the sample with 15 responses. The oldest age group of 55 years old or older were 22

23 11.94% of the sample with eight responses. The smallest group was the group of year olds representing 5.97% of the sample with value of four. However, there were not very big differences in the division of the age of the respondents, and as the sample was rather small, any speculation of the specific age of a sex tourist cannot be made. This also supports the claim that sex tourists come from all social classes and ages. There was a typing mistake in this question already in the data collection phase, as age 55 is available in two options. This was not noticed until the analysis started, so to retain credibility of the results, mistake was not corrected either in this phase. Your marital status? Widower 3 Divorced 14 Married 22 Single Figure 3. Marital status of the respondents Respondents represented all marital statuses. The largest group of the all respondents was single with 28 respondents (41.79%). The second largest group was the married ones with 22 respondents (32.84%). The third largest group were divorced with 14 respondents (20.9%). The smallest group was three widowers (4.48%). Majority of the respondents had been married or currently were. The results do not reveal whether the respondents were married while they had experienced sex tourism in Thailand. 23

24 5.2 Frequency of the visits to Thailand Have you visited Thailand? No 6 Yes Figure 4. Visitations to Thailand Sixty-one respondents (91.04%) had visited Thailand at least once. There were six (8.96%) respondents that had not visited Thailand. All from the age groups had visited Thailand. Also all of the singles had visited Thailand at least once. How many times have you visited Thailand? 5 or more Figure 5. Frequency of visits to Thailand Surprisingly a majority, 30 of the respondents, (44.76%) had visited Thailand at least five times. Once or twice had visited Thailand 22 of the respondents (32.84%). Nine of the respondents (13.43%) had visited Thailand 3-4 times. Six (8.96%) had never visited Thailand. Those who had visited Thailand most often were from age group Also the married and the divorced respondents had visited Thailand the most. 24

25 5.3 Responsible travelling and consumption How familiar are you with a concept of responsible travelling? Unfamiliar 19 Somewhat familiar 33 Very familair Figure 6. Familiarity with the concept of responsible travelling For 33 respondents (49.25%) responsible travelling was somewhat familiar. Majority of the respondents were familiar with the concept of responsible travelling at some level, but only 15 (28.36%) knew actually what the term meant. Most unfamiliar with responsible travelling were from age group and those who were divorced. People that were very familiar with responsible travelling represented all groups rather equally. Most familiar with responsible travelling was age group of 55 and older. Most of the respondents that were familiar with concept of responsible travelling were also divorced, so there certainly is not correlation between marital status and knowledge of responsible travelling. All three women were either unfamiliar or somewhat familiar with responsible travelling. 25

26 How high do you value in your consumer behaviour responsibly produced products and services? Very high 4 High 10 I cannot say 25 Low 22 Very low Figure 7. Valuing of responsibly produced products and services. Majority of the respondents, 25 were not able to say how they value responsibly produced products and services (37.31%). Twenty-two of the respondents (32.84%) valued responsible products and services low in their consumption behaviour. Ten of the respondents (14.93%) valued them high. Majority of those who were able to answer, valued responsibly produced products and services low or very low. Basically it means that they do not care a lot of the production or circumstances that those are produced in. Six (8.96%) valued those very low. Only four (5.95%) valued those products and services very high in their consumption behaviour. The least those products and services valued 55 or older and those who were single. However, also those respondents who valued responsibly produced products and services high in their own consumption behaviour, were singles. Also age group valued those products most. Two of the female respondents valued them low, but the third one valued them very high. 26

27 Do you ponder your consumption choices critically? Always 4 Usually 6 Sometimes 34 Not usually 15 Never Figure 8. Critical attitude towards respondents own consumption choices The greatest share, 34 of the respondents (50,75%) are sometimes thinking critically their choices. Fifteen (22.39%) are not usually thinking their choices, and eight (11.94%) never think their choices critically. Six of them (8.96%) are usually pondering their consumption critically. Four of the respondents (5.97%) always mind their own consumption critically. The ones that most often pondered their choices represented all different age groups from over 26 and they all had different marital status. Also in the opposite end age was not a determining factor, and respondents that did not ponder their choices critically were from all different age groups, except from 55 and older. Two of the female respondents do not usually or never ponder their choices critically, and the third responded that she is sometimes thinking critically her choices. 27

28 5.4 Buying sex Have you bought sex in your own country or in a foreign country? No 1 Yes Figure 9. Buying sex in home- or foreign country As figure above illustrates with 66 answers (98.51%), the survey reached its target audience, people that have bought sex at least once either in their home country or in foreign country. Only one respondent (1.49%) has not bought sex anywhere. All of the male respondents had bought sex in their own county or abroad. Two of the female respondents had bought sex. Did you choose your travel destination due to availability of paid sex? No My decision was affected by the availability of sex but not based on it Yes Figure 10. Sex as a motivator in selection of travel destination Sex as a motivation behind the decision of travel destination was significantly recognised, but majority of the respondents did not base their decision on availability of sex services. Decision of the destination was based on some other interest, for example in nature or culture. Almost a half, 33 of the respondents (49.25%) did not base their decision on the sex, but the decision was affected by the availability of sex services. There were 21 respondents (31.34%) that did not base their decision on availability of purchasable sex. Thirteen (19.4%) respondents based their decision on the availability of sex services, which practi- 28